Air Quality Data Analyst (EHM III)

The State of South Carolina is seeking an Air Quality Data Analyst to support the Bureau of Air Quality. Responsibilities include managing the annual ambient air monitoring plan, conducting site inspections, assessing monitoring network efficiency, and participating in public meetings. Candidates should have a relevant degree and experience in environmental health. This position is based in South Carolina and does not offer remote work options.
Job Responsibilities

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Science | Service | Sustainability

This position serves as an Air Quality Data Analyst for the Bureau of Air Quality. You will perform highly professional and advanced technical duties relating to the annual ambient air monitoring plan, periodic network assessment, and monitoring site evaluations to ensure compliance with all federal ambient air monitoring regulations. You will also assist in verification of data using supporting and alternate data sources, monitoring and sampling methods, relevant environmental data sets, and appropriate statistical tests.

Job Responsibilities:
• Lead efforts to handle all aspects of creation and submittal of the annual ambient air monitoring plan including responding to public comments received. Compile information concerning laws, policies, and regulations applicable to the ambient air monitoring network and serve as the section’s expert on these issues.
• Conduct annual inspections of monitoring sites to ensure compliance with requirements found in Appendix E to 40 CFR Part 58 and other EPA guidance documents. Prepare and review reports related to the annual inspections of monitoring sites and propose recommendations to management for correcting any siting deficiencies.
• Lead efforts to provide an assessment of efficiency and effectiveness of the ambient air monitoring network by evaluating short- and long-term trends for criteria pollutants. Generate strategies for developing the ambient air monitoring network in a way that will meet Air Program objectives. Prepare and review reports related to the annual inspections of monitoring sites and propose recommendations to management for any changes needed to the monitoring network.
• Utilizing section SOPs and EPA regulations, locate potential new monitoring sites for SC’s ambient air monitoring network. In addition, locate, maintain, an operate low-cost sensors in accordance with appropriate section QAPPs in support of BAQ special studies.
• Participate in National, Regional, and statewide organizations and initiatives as requested; represent the Air Program at public meetings, hearings, or other gatherings related to air quality planning.
• Perform other relevant duties as requested.

Minimum and Additional Requirements
• A master’s degree in a related technical field;
• OR a bachelor’s degree in a related technical field and at least one (1) year of environmental health or related experience;
• OR an associate degree in a related technical field and at least three (3) years of environmental health or related experience;
• OR a high school diploma or GED, and at least five (5) years of environmental health or related experience.

Note: Degrees in a related technical field include, but are not limited to, Earth sciences, chemistry, biology, physics, soil science, environmental science, mathematics, etc.

Institutions of Higher Learning must be recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation.

Applicants indicating college credit or degree(s) on the application are encouraged to upload an unofficial copy of the transcript as an attachment to the application. Please note that the agency may require an official, certified copy of the transcript or diploma prior to hiring.

Additional Requirements:
• Able to provide outstanding customer service in a fast-paced environment.
• Excellent communication and organizational skills.
• Work effectively in a team-oriented environment and encourage positive working relationships with coworkers, industry, and government officials.
• Ability to successfully complete prescribed technical coursework and pass any test relevant to the position within the probationary period or trial period.
• May require:
• Occasional travel throughout the state.
• Occasional overnight travel.

Preferred Qualifications
• Experience with, or knowledge of, air quality related activities.
• Knowledge of the principles of ambient air monitoring, sampling, and data analysis.
• Data management skills.
• Ability to prioritize and manage time effectively.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Professional (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).

Additional Comments

SCDES is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all applicants and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions, including, but not limited, to lactation), national origin, age (40 or older), disability or genetic information.

The Department will not sponsor H1B visas for this position.

The South Carolina Department of Environmental Services offers an exceptional benefits package for full time (FTE) employees:
• Health, dental, vision, long-term disability, and life insurance for employees, spouse, and children. Click here for additional information.
• 15 days annual (vacation) leave per year
• 15 days sick leave per year
• 13 paid holidays
• Paid parental leave
• S.C. Deferred Compensation Program available (S.C. Deferred Compensation)
• Retirement benefit choices *
• State Retirement Plan (SCRS)
• State Optional Retirement Program (State ORP)
• Remote Work: The option of partially remote work is available after successful completion of 6 months to 1 year of employment, based on job functions
• Enrollment in one of the listed plans is required for all FTE employees; please refer to the contribution section of hyperlinked retirement sites for the current contribution rate of gross pay.